Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry Unit

Main tasks

to supply on request within a reasonable time limit the results of precise and reliable toxicological tests

to ensure academic teaching of forensic toxicology as well as specialist courses at police academies

to carry out research and development in forensic toxicology.

The main field of activity of the UTCF consists in the detection, identification and quantification of pharmacologically active and/or toxic substances in diverse biological matrices.

Fields of activity

Forensic toxicology is a scientific activity related to :

the search for substances that may have played a role in the cause of death

the search for substances that may have played a role in non-lethal intoxication

the search for substances that may have modified an individual’s behaviour or performance.

Accreditation

The UTCF has obtained ISO 17025 accreditation from the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS) STS-448 (for the Lausanne site) and STS-390 (for the Geneva site). In addition, UTCF is approved by the Federal Roads Office (OFROU) to carry out DUID analyses. DUID is the acronym that stands for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs. It is akin to DUI or DWI for driving under the influence of alcohol or driving while intoxicated.

Staff

The activities of the UTCF are carried out under the responsibility of :

The team comprises university graduates (chemists, biologists, pharmacists) holding academic qualifications or still in training (doctoral students), as well as biomedical analysis technicians, laboratory assistants and secretaries.

The UTCF regularly welcomes individuals who are currently studying (doctoral students, placement students and Master students, trainee laboratory assistants) for placements and diploma work.

Equipment

To respond to requests for intervention, the UTCF is equipped with the following analytical instruments :